Nesting...

it begins at an early age.

I remember loving to set up play houses as a little girl.

Mine weren't fancy. Sometimes they were just between the logs at the beach, other times under the bushes in our backyard, and when my brothers weren't looking, I would even set up residence in their tree house!

This past weekend my hubby and his dad built a playhouse for Sydney and Daphne.

It has been so fun watching the girls nesting in their new home.

Even I can hardly stay out!

A Fun Accessory

Thought I'd share how I make fabric flowers. They're super easy to make, and are a fun accessory to add to handbags, jackets, and they even look cute in hair!

First, I drew up a pattern for the petals.

Next, I cut out 5 different fabrics with the pattern piece placed on the fold so I'd end up with 4 petals total for each piece. I ironed a fusible interfacing to the back of the fabrics for stability.
Pinching and sewing the centers together, I then randomly stacked each fabric piece together to form a flower - and sewed them all together.

Adding a cute button stack to the center and a pin to the back completes the flower.

A great way to use up fabric scraps, I made this flower pin with leftover pieces of vintage tablecloths from my bigger projects.

I love how, depending on what fabrics you put together, so many different looks can be achieved.

Give 'em a try, I guarantee you'll have fun creating your own bouquet of fabric flowers.

Robin's Egg Blue

While I was weeding my flower beds this morning, I came across this...

and had to take a closer peek. Aren't they beautiful?!
I'm excited to watch the progression since the nest sits in the rhododendron right outside our bedroom window.
What a sweet blessing that comes with spring.

Signs Of Spring In The Northwest

Yay! Finally, trees and flowers are beginning to bloom here in our neck of the woods... It's been a long drawn out winter, and this girl is ready for everything spring!

I've been enjoying the little bits of color starting to peek out in our yard - always the first to bloom is my flowering plum tree.
I need more color, like now! Yesterday I went out and bought a few annuals, which helped. First thing I had to fill with flowers were the cute boots I found in the Goodwill bins, back in January. They make me happy...

Easter Sunday Felted Tote

I came across a great tutorial by this fabulous designer and knew the minute I saw it that I wanted to make two - one for Sydney and Daphne. I try to pick up wool sweaters when thrifting - only when they're cheap and I just happened to have a pink one waiting to be felted. Perfect! It's a darling bag that'll hold their gloves and lip gloss at church and later, when they are hunting for eggs won't it make the cutest basket!? I went through my vintage button stash and found some pretty rhinestone ones to add some sparkle too. I wish you all a very blessed Easter celebrating the resurrection of our Savior!!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

I bought 8 pounds of strawberries the other day.

No, I did not cover all 8 pounds in chocolate... hehe

I bought the berries because I needed to replenish my freezer jam stash.

After making 2 batches of jam and slicing a large bowl for snacking, I decided to cover the really big ones with chocolate. Mmmm

Here's what I do:

Take 3 cups of semi sweet chips, 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, and 1-2 TBSP of shortening. Microwave on high for approximately 2 minutes and stir until completly melted. Wash the strawberries and pat dry. Dip in chocolate and set onto a foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle some with melted white chocolate if desired. Refrigerate until firm.

Project Completed...

Whew! Finally, my labor intensive project is completed.

I used 6 yards of fabric that I cut into 1 1/2" strips and then braided it all together. Once I finished braiding, I coiled the braid in an oval shape and hand stitched it all together. I never dreamed this project would take so long.... to much hand sewing! Next time I make a rag rug, I think I'll try crocheting the fabric together. I just need to learn how to crochet a chain stitch (I've never crocheted). Help, MmmmOM!!!!

Labor Intensive

I started another project the other day, involving this fabric. Boy, I didn't realize how much time I'd be putting into it.... it's turning out really cool, I can't wait to show you when it's completed!

It's So Nice When...

...friends surprise you with something they know you like.

A couple weeks ago a friend, who also happens to be my hubby's auntie, gave me these two sweet old Easter postcards. She picked them up while vacationing in Northern California. I absolutely love them! Thanks Barb - and Audrey too for saying, "you just gotta get those for Karoline." hehe

Paris In April

I have Paris on my mind - so I created this pillow yesterday...

I absolutely love covered front porches on houses! I know exactly how I'd decorate mine too, if I were ever fortunate enough to have one - maybe someday.... ahhh... I'll keep dreaming...

Can't you just picture this long pillow on a swing, or maybe even a wicker settee?
I've started sewing again, and I've finally listed a few things in my etsy shop (this pillow cover included). After taking such an extended break, it feels so wonderful to get going again!